Is your wooden floor starting to look worn and wrinkled over time? And if you want to know how to fix it, then, you are not alone. Let’s enter the universe of Refinishing Engineered Hardwood Floors. The wooden floors can become worn out and outdated over time. Consider refinishing that item or whole project and essentially bringing it back to life! Here, you are able to see one of the ways to do that. Today, we’ll discuss how to give a new life to your wooden floors and add some charm to your dull room.
In addition, we will talk about how to change floor stains, enhance the colors of wood, and bring out sheen after refinishing. We will clarify the feature of the floors and determine if you, as a beginner, can refinish them or if it requires experts. A veneer layer of less than 1/8 of an inch or 3 millimeters on your engineered hardwood floor will not allow for safe refinishing. We will go over the details next. Attention, as you are about to read, let us go over some strategies that will floor you like never before!
Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Even though engineered hardwood flooring is designed to withstand normal wear and tear, they are still prone to fading, dents, and scratches. Refinishing them is possible and may transform your area. Thus, let’s begin and get prepared for a thrilling ride through floor restoration!
Evaluating Moisture Damage Before Refinishing
First, let’s check for any water damage. Water is a really big problem for wood floors, especially engineered ones. Therefore, before we move forward with making any sanding, let’s make sure the water causes no warping or color change.
One downside of using an engineered hardwood floor is that in case it gets wet, refinishing might not be beneficial since sanding may make things even worse. In doing so, either we have to replace the broken parts or even the whole section.
Here’s a surprising fact: The majority of the engineered hardwoods can be restored either once or twice, but the hand-scraped ones are ordinarily allowed just once because of their special texture and design.
Veneer Engineered – The Top Layer Thickness Matters
Now we must think about the not less important thing which is how the thickness of the veneer layer in your engineered wood flooring. This layer resembles a thin sheet of real wood that is put atop a lot of other layers. They are the essence of these floors’ coolness and toughness in the face of changes in temperature and humidity compared to solid hardwood floors.
This actual wood veneer layer is available in several thicknesses. But it isn’t healthy to use the cheapest ones for sanding, or they will already reach the plywood underneath while sanding, so they are not good for fixing up. However, the slimmer ones, say around 2 mm, can deal with the sand, so you can use them to renovate old floors and give them a new life. Always keep in mind that the veneer in the oak floor will be sanded and refinished every time.
In that regard, can re-finishing of engineered hardwood floors be done? No, but only if the veneer is thick and there is no big water damage. Refinishing is the best solution to bringing that worn-out board back to life again. But keep these things in the back of your head before you start renovating your wood floors.
How to Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors?
We’re going to help you transform your engineered hardwood floors into a whole new look. Basically, get into how the procedure refinishes them gradually. Let’s cover the basics, from sanding to staining and sealing, in order to help you revamp your floors, accentuating their natural charm.
Preparing Engineered Flooring for Refinishing
Before you start refinishing your hardwood floor, make sure to inspect it for staining, warping, or other signs of water damage. If you find a mold, it’s best not to refinish the surface as it could aggravate the situation.
When everything is okay, clear the room. Remove all the furniture and clean the house properly. Remember to clean the corners and crevices thoroughly, as the dust can hinder the sanding process later on.
Sanding Techniques
Moving on to sanding, do remember to be careful because too much sanding is dangerous, as it can chip away the thin wood layer beneath the veneer of your floor. Using a light sanding paper is the best way and without damaging the immune top layer.
Of course, you may have asked yourself, is it worth it to rent a floor sander or not? It depends on the size of the area; if it is a small room, you don’t need to rent machines.
Applying Stain or Finish to Your Floors
Now, it is your time to give your floor a fresh appearance! Selecting a stain tone is similar to choosing paint, whether it is complicated or exciting. Darker stains, to a great extent, cover the wood grain, while lighter ones reveal it to almost full extent. Bob Vila has an excellent guide to help you select the exact flooring finish that you need.
Now apply the stain and wait till it is dry. Next, apply the topcoat to your hardwood to ensure long-term protection from regular use and easier cleaning. Difficulty matching the old wood floor colors? Guess what? We even have an article on that!
Maintenance Tips Post-Refinishing
Finally, let us discuss how to keep your beautiful new floor looking neat. Sweeping or vacuuming on a regular basis, therefore, can remove scratches and maintain its cleanliness.
Refinishing Engineered Hardwood Floor: DIY Vs Professional Approach
If you’re wondering whether to refinish your engineered hardwood floors yourself or hire a professional, here we cover both the benefits and the drawbacks of each option. First, let’s take a look at the factors that you need to consider, starting with the cost.
Engaging an expert might seem expensive at the beginning, but it produces high-quality work and saves time. They provide everything you need, so there is no need to buy your equipment if you cannot afford it.
However, if you are doing the sanding yourself, you will need some basic items such as a floor sander that can be rented, sanding paper, varnish or an oil-based finish, and brushes or rollers for application. However, don’t just focus on the money because DIY refinishing also takes time and patience to do the job well. Sanding each layer carefully is necessary to prevent any damage to the thin veneer underneath.
On the one hand, pros do all for you. Not only do they know how to work with a wide variety of woods, but they can also work with oak, which has the most complicated grain patterns. Furthermore, their ability to operate in the wet sector makes the sanding process even more difficult.
Sometimes doing it themselves makes them happy and proud because they are able to decorate the house with their choice. They experience happiness from learning new skills and modifying the old and worn-out flooring into new and shiny ones.
Therefore, DIY or hire a pro, depends on what is most important to you. Is it about getting things done and guaranteeing the outcome, or is it the pleasure of doing things by yourself? Moreover, whether you polish or sand the floors, do not forget to take proper care of them to make them last longer.
Can I change the Color of Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Now, let’s talk about the fascinating idea that it’s possible to change the color of your floor according to your taste. The time to modify your floors in a whole new way is getting closer!
Using Glazes for Color Change Without Sanding
If sanding seems too difficult, you can use the other way to change your floor color – glazing.
Glazing is an under-appreciated method, but it’s very efficient. You put a colored polyurethane coat over your current floor color.
This makes it possible to apply different shades without having to peel off the whole finished color. However, glazing won’t work on extremely dark stains. To get rid of those, you need to sand a little.
The Art Of Sanding For A New Shade
If, for example, you want a lighter shade or prefer the natural feel of bare wood, sanding is a necessary step. First, remove all coatings and stains, being careful not to go too deep. Later, check for water damage to achieve a uniform stain. Have the wood ready then use the color stain that you have chosen for a new look. Although the work is difficult, the final results are great. Remember that some hardwood floors require professional sanding in order not to damage the very thin veneer. Altering your floor color may be difficult, but it is worth considering.
FAQs
Is It Cheaper to Refinish or Replace Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Well, refinishing often costs less than replacing the flooring because you don’t have to dispose of the existing flooring.
How Often Do Engineered Wood Floors Need to Be Refinished?
Engineered wood flooring typically requires refinishing every 7 to 10 years, depending on the amount of traffic and usage. Routine cleaning with moisture-proofing will extend the refinishing service interval.
How Many Years Does Engineered Hardwood Last?
The service life of engineered hardwood floors commonly varies from 20 to 30 years, but this might differ depending on the quality of the flooring, cleaning regimens, and use. A great deal of care, such as regular cleaning and maintenance, can prolong the lifespan of engineered hardwood flooring.
How Many Years Does Engineered Hardwood Last?
Yes, you can sand and stain engineered hardwood floors to modify their color or restore their original appearance. However, keep in mind that this kind of wood is distinguished, having a thin veneer layer. And it may get damaged if installed inappropriately.
How Much Does It Cost to Stain Engineered Hardwood Floors?
The cost to stain engineered hardwood floors differs according to variables such as the size of the room, the kind of stain used, and additional work required, such as sanding. On average, expect a per-square-foot price range of $1.50 to $4.00, excluding labor costs if hiring professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, either you go it alone and finish the engineered hardwood floors by yourself, or you hire a specialist to do the job; the final result is breathtaking. Do not forget that taking good care of your floors is a good idea, so keep them clean from dirt and excessive water. No matter whether you’re sanding, staining, or glazing, the main things that you should keep in mind are patience and attention to detail.
Therefore, please treat your floors with deserved care and be ready to enjoy the way they work in the image of your house. Applying the right technique will maintain the shine of your engineered hardwood floors for a long time.
